Colorado’s ‘Traverse’ Nordic Race Not For The Faint Of Heart
A nice writeup of the Elk Mountain Grand Traverse, a classic Colorado Nordic ski race from Crested Butte to Aspen, appears on Dave Wiens’ blog. Dave is from Colorado, a pro mountain biker, Leadville 100 champ, and our favorite Lance slayer.
Although the Traverse is a transition event for mountain bike competitors, for Wiens and the other perpetual competitors this race is not to be taken lightly by anyone. Indeed, competitors must negotiate not only each other, but the elements as well. Skiers race through the night in pairs, carrying their aid and survival gear (getting pinned down is a real possibility), and winners finish some 7-9 or more hours later. Frostbite is one of the more likely injuries.
Yes, it sounds like tremendous potential for misery. Yet given Wiens’ experience, when he says, “…if someone told me I could only do one event each year this would be it”, that’s quite an endorsement. Take a look at his post and read about his exciting finish line surge at this Colorado classic.
Boulder Cyclist Phinney Takes World Cycling Title
Colorado cyclist, Taylor Phinney, continues to excel at a very young age. He took the pursuit title at the track cycling world champs in Poland, then pulled out a silver in his backup race, the 1km. In breaking his own American pursuit record set a month ago, he became the first American track champion in 13 years.
At 18 years old, Taylor has achieved a lot of success at an early age. Hopefully it’s a sign of more to come in future years. More to come from Poland…
For those of you who Twitter, check him out at www.twitter.com. He’s pretty prolific, and drops a few gems now & then like “the kilo is hard..“ Take a look at http://twitter.com/taylorphinney
Keep slayin’ ‘em, Taylor!
Top Marks For A Colorado Classic Snowshoe Race
The 2009 Jeremy Wright Snowshoe Championships were held last weekend at Beaver Creek. This annual race is a Colorado snowshoe favorite, and unique in that it draws the fittest athletes and first-time competitors, and even has a race for the kids. And to sweeten the deal, they offer free, quality, loaner snowshoes from to those needing them. Organizers at Highline Sports and Entertainment do a great job of getting solid sponsorship (Beaver Creek Resort Company, Volvo, and Continental Airlines to name just a few), especially considering how increasingly difficult sponsorship support is becoming. Cold cash is offered to winners!
The Rugged Running blog posts a rave review, including good conditions, great race organization, and first-class treatment in general - the kind you’d expect from Beaver Creek.
From Rugged Running:
… an absolute blast. The 10k has 1,560 ft of gain, with a starting elevation of 9,800 feet. The high point is 10,400. The first mile is a steady climb of about 500 feet, the next 2.5 miles drop all the way to 9,400, with some steep powder sections to keep things interesting. The “5k” is actually 3.5 miles long, with about 700 feet of gain. Overall race scoring: 9 out of 10. …incredible views and nice scenery, and a well-thought-out course. There was more groomed terrain than at Eldora, but still some good powder. The groomed sections helped to prevent backups like I experienced at Eldora.
Race organizers take special interest an pride in this event, as it’s a tribute to their friend and snowshoer, Jeremy Wright, who was killed in 2005 while serving in Afghanistan.
Colorado St. Patrick’s Day Run - Green Through The Frost!
Need a break from the Winter gloom? This year it hasn’t been the snow as much as the wind that tries to take the fun out of training. Fortunately it’s time for our annual break in the gloom with a tip of the Irish derby to St. Patrick, patron saint of Springtime athletics. Although none are actually on St. Patrick’s day, some good options for a Colorado St. Patrick’s Day run include:
- Colorado Springs 5K On St. Patrick’s Day 3/14 - This is the 26th running of this classic St. Patrick’s Day run, and the first of the Colorado Springs Grand Prix of Running. A fast, simple course down Tejon St. They know how to put on a good race!
- Ft. Collins Sharin’ O’ The Green 3/14 - Another nice 5K in downtown. Partners Mentoring Youth has done a great job of developing this increasingly popular run. Weather should be great this year!
- Brush Annual St. Patrick’s 5K 3/14 - It’s always a great day in Brush! A good draw for our active friends on the plains.
- Denver Runnin’ of the Green Lucky 7k/2M Walk 3/15 - At a full 7K, this is the longest of Colorado’s St. Patrick’s Day runs. A fun LODO event and good fundraiser for Volunteers of America.
- Highlands Ranch St. Patrick’s Day 5K 3/21 - While the holiday may have passed, this run helps keep the spirit going.
I know what you’re thinking… “What? A holiday with no Wash Park run?” Blashemy! If you know of one, let us know.
Although weather is unpredictable this time of year, at this point it looks like a couple of great weekends to get out in a balmy 50 degrees or so, get in a good early season race, and help make sure the green shows through the frost. Don’t forget a nip o’ the Irish whiskey or green beer (or your favorite green sports drink) to cap off your celebration.
